TMVP says the very participation of UNP after having discussions with them indicates the polls are not rigged

(By: Walter Jayawardhana)

Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) leader who is popularly known as Pillaiyan said that the very participation of the United National Party of the Opposition indicates that a fair poll will be held for the Provincial Council in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.

"Before handing over the nomination papers a UNP leader had discussions with us," Pillaian said. He said it was a great contrast from the time when the UNP boycotted the Batticaloa city local government elections held recently.

Pillaian, whose real name is Sivanesethurai Chandrakanthan, currently heads what is then known as the TMVP, who decided to become a democratic party after breaking away from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Chandrakanthan did not reveal details of what was discussed between them and the UNP leader. His statement was broadcast by the Independent Television Network (ITN) in Colombo.

" He said neither his party nor the government had the intention of rigging the polls. The government has already provided the required facilities to cement democracy in the East. The sole aim of their party is to see that the election is was free and fair. Mr. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan asserted that their determination is to take initiatives in this respect," the ITN report said.

Chandrakanthan's TMVP party is now contesting the Provincial Council elections in alliance with ruling party of Sri Lanka headed by President Rajapaksa.

At a different press briefing Government's cabinet spokesman and Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the victims of election violence at the recent local government elections had been members of the TMVP, He said two of them had been killed. While assuring a clean election, Minister Yapa also predicted a victory for the government.